Gordner calls face-to-face I-80 tolls meeting in D.C. 'very worthwhile'

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last week's meeting of about a dozen members of the Pennsylvania House and Senate with officials from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to urge a rejection of the application to toll I-80 was "very worthwhile," state Sen. John Gordner, R-27, said in a statement released this week.

The delegation also included state Rep. Merle Phillips, R-108. The meeting was requested by U.S. Reps. Chris Carney (D-10), Paul Kanjorksi ( D-11) Glenn Thompson (R-5) and Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper (D-3).

FHWA officials scheduled one hour for a private meeting with the delegation followed by a public meeting, where supporters of the tolling plan could present testimony about the tolling plan, which was recently resubmitted by PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission.

"I thought it was a very worthwhile meeting to present the arguments of tolling opponents in a face-to-face forum with the FHWA officials," Gordner said. "I also thought it was interesting when the FHWA officials requested remarks from any proponents of the tolling plan present and nobody stepped forward."

PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission have applied to toll I-80 under the Interstate System Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Pilot Program. The program requires an applicant to demonstrate the need for toll revenues from the interstate to reconstruct the existing roadway or construct additional facilities to increase capacity on that interstate.

PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission maintain that tolling is needed to properly maintain the interstate amid tightening state spending. On its Web site, PennDOT says that, without tolling there will be no dedicated funding source for I-80 reconstruction/maintenanc; diversions from the Turnpike to I-80 will increase, further stressing conditions on the aging facility and on routes connecting the two roads; I-80 will "compete" for funding with other interstate highways in Pennsylvania, with PennDOT estimating a $600 million per year shortfall in available funds to maintain its nterstate system, and PennDOT will still be responsible for maintenance and reconstruction of I-80 from current Motor License Fund revenue sources.

Gordner, meanwhile, cited a letter he and nine of his colleagues had recently sent to FHWA outlining the deficiencies in the resubmitted application.

"The federal law authorizing tolling projects has not changed since the FHWA under the Bush Administration last rejected the plan on Sept. 11, 2008, and this resubmitted application does not meet the standards required under federal law," Gordner said.

PennDOT completed a $1.1 billion I-80 reconstruction effort in 2005 and currently allots approximately $80 million annually for maintenance costs on the interstate.

"In order to attempt to make its plan fit within the federal mandates, the Turnpike Commission submitted a study completed by a group with no expertise in the area of highway valuation to justify a 300 percent increase in maintenance costs," Gordner said. "This 'valuation' contradicts a 2005 study completed by PennDOT, which concluded that I-80 should not be tolled because of PennDOTs proactive reconstruction efforts over the years."

An additional problem with the application is the diversion of I-80 toll revenue to mass transit agencies, Gordner argued.

"The Turnpike Commission has consistently stated that the revenue raised from I-80 tolling will not be used for mass transit projects in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh," Gordner said. "It is somewhat puzzling then that the Philadelphia Inquirer recently reported that funding for SEPTA, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transporatation Agency, will decrease by $110 million next year if I-80 tolling is not authorized by the FHWA."

The legislators believe this issue is so important to the residents of their communities that they missed legislative session on Thursday, Dec. 17, which included Rep. Russ Fairchild, R-85, who had a 21-year perfect attendance record.

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